Joel Embiid was named the 2022-23 regular-season MVP, but struggled to make a deep NBA Playoff run as the Philadelphia 76ers were defeated by the Boston Celtics in Round 2. At 29 years old, Embiid has yet to win an NBA championship. As discussions around the 76ers roster improvement emerge, ESPN’s Frank Isola presents a different perspective, arguing that Embiid is the one underperforming, not his team.
Frank Isola’s Take on Embiid’s Performance
Isola expressed his thoughts on Embiid’s performance in the playoffs, saying, “That’s the part I don’t get. Like, if he had these incredible games and if he was getting no help, I totally get it. … The idea is – you need to bring in guys to surround Joel Embiid with. It gets completely forgotten that he’s the guy that failed in the playoffs. It’s not everybody else’s fault. … Who’s out there? You wanna get LeBron?”
Focusing on Team Performance Instead
Isola’s take emphasizes the importance of focusing on the overall team performance and holding star players accountable for their roles. In light of Embiid’s MVP award, it is crucial to examine his impact on the court and question whether he is truly elevating the play of his teammates and contributing to their playoff success.
As discussions around the 76ers roster improvements continue, it is essential to consider the role that Embiid, as the team’s star player, must play in their success. With Isola’s perspective in mind, it becomes clear that placing the responsibility on both individual players and the overall team performance is critical for addressing the Philadelphia 76ers’ future endeavors.